‘Dances with Wolves’ Actor Arrested, Accused of Leading Cult and Sexually Abusing Women

Dances With Wolves actor Nathan Chasing Horse (née Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse) has been arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting young Indigenous girls.

According to The Associated Press, the Native American actor has been taken into custody after SWAT officers raided his two-story home, which he shares with five wives. The outlet alleges that one of his wives was given to him as a “gift” when she was 15.

Chasing Horse’s arrest was sparked by an investigation that began in October 2022 after police officials received a tip regarding Chasing Horse’s behavior. The search warrant, obtained by the AP, reads, “Nathan Chasing Horse used spiritual traditions and their belief system as a tool to sexually assault young girls on numerous occasions.”

The actor has been linked to six alleged victims with instances dating back to the early 2000s.

The report also claims that Chasing Horse is a leader of a cult known as The Circle and followers believed he could communicate with “higher beings.” He was reportedly referred as “Medicine Man” and “Holy Person.”

Chasing Horse starred as Smiles A Lot in the 1990 western Dances with Wolves, directed by Kevin Costner. He went on to appear in the television movies The Broken Chair, Dreamkeeper, Into the West and Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.

His last acting credit was in 2007; however, he served as an executive producer on the 2020 movie Show After Hours and is set to star in the upcoming movie The Red Man’s View.

The actor has a history of criminal behavior and was previously banned from the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana after allegations of human trafficking.

If you or someone you know needs to reach out about sexual abuse or assault, RAINN is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673), or online at RAINN.org.